#4 Javi Lara
Atletico de Kolkata’s Mr. Consistent, it’s telling that Javi Lara has played in every game this season. He’s been integral to ATK finishing in the semifinal spots yet again, pulling the strings from the wings, often beginning a move that ends up in a chance on goal.
The midfielder’s wand of a left foot has been the go-to option whenever Atletico have a free-kick or a corner, but Lara has strangely gone the entire campaign without an assist, despite Kolkata being great in the air. Yet, Lara is an 8/10 player every time he turns up, with the Spaniard’s presence being integral to Kolkata’s style of play.
Javi Lara has perhaps put a greater emphasis on goals this season, shooting 27 times on goal with an accuracy of 74% which are numbers more akin to a striker. He’s scored three memorable goals this season, the first being a winner against Kerala, the second being a crucial equaliser against Mumbai, and the third barnstormer of a goal against Delhi that earned ATK a point.
Lara’s goals have directly earned ATK 4 points - the difference between the Kolkata side making the semifinals and NEUFC pipping them to 4th place.
